Crossword Genius

As used in writing pointed articles? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pens

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'as used in writing pointed articles?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'used in writing pointed articles?' is the wordplay.
'used in' means to look at the middle letters (the letters used on the inside of the word).
'writing' becomes 'paper' (paper is a kind of writing).
'pointed articles?' becomes 'ens' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
The middle letter of 'paper' is 'p'.
'p'+'ens'='PENS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pens that I've seen before include "Writing implements" , "stalls" , "Aphorism, thought" , "Literary thought or reflection" , "Dashes off" .)

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